The Times columnist Frank Bruni’s new book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be,” appeals to teenagers and their parents to relax, because the college decision won’t matter as much as they think it will. But as those thin and thick envelopes arrive in mailboxes across the country, don’t colleges and universities share some of the responsibility for the absurd competition?
What can selective colleges and universities do to improve the admissions process?
Interesting read. Not too long ago, I directed a summer undergraduate internship program for several years. We had students from all over the east coast apply and intern. By far the two best students over all these years were undergraduates at Juniata and Elizabethtown. Ivy and selective LAC interns did not stand out in any way during the internship.
How about one ED round in the fall. Colleges agree to fill no more than one-third of their class ED.
And then one conditional rolling admissions round beginning Jan 15th. Colleges admit students as the apps come in, but the student’s place isn’t guaranteed until they pay their deposit. 10 application limit, unless you haven’t been admitted anywhere.
^^I agree. Limit the number of private college/university choices to 10 on the Common App (although I think it should allow unlimited public school apps on top of the 10 private).